Understanding the H1N1 Virus

As I walked into the child care front doors, I was greeted by a colorful sign. "Please wash and disinfect your hands upon entering." Fear of the H1N1 virus is taking shape across the country. One publication, the St. Louis Post Dispatch had an article about flu victims not going to the Emergency Room, because they didn't have enough flu test kits or staff to cover the people coming in.

Edwardsville High School, in Edwardsville Illinois had eight girls from the dance team down with the H1N1 virus. Tulane University had to postpone a Volleyball game with the University of Nebraska. Six players had come down with the virus. As many cases reported in Missouri, as they had, only two ended up being fatal.

The H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) is a respiratory infection. Unlike Flu A and B, it affects younger people. Older individuals have built up some form of protection and or less likely to be affected unless that have some chronic health issues.

By the middle to the end of October, they hope to have at least 160 million vaccines ready to go. Once the vaccine is ready, The first on the priority list will be pregnant mothers, children 5 and under, chronic illness patients, health care employees and those that work with small children.

Some of the first vaccines might be a nasal spray mist. the spray would be used for ages 2-49. there would be about 3 and a half million doses available. Others would be the regular vaccine by needle.

Keep in mind that the H1N1 vaccine will only take care of it not the regular flu A or B. Older individuals are asked to get their regular flu shot, as always.

Test kits are running low. Many individuals panic, when they get flu symptoms. they rush to their ER or doctor and are tested for the H1N1 virus. Many cases is just allergies or the common cold. At this rate, the kits will soon run out.

One important factor about this strain of flu is it's contagiousness. It is very easy to spread and spreads extremely fast.

Many medical personnel recommend that you stay home from school or work. Contact your doctor, if you have a chronic illness. Otherwise, get plenty of rest and lots of liquid. The H1N1 is a flu, that dehydrates a person and affects their respiratory system.

Another factor, that hasn't helped is the heavy exposure from the media. Some individuals start to panic at the first signs of the Swine Flu virus.